Description

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious plant-based cheese and pesto sauce. This vibrant and nutritious meal is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, offering a balanced blend of protein and greens with a flavorful, smooth sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Greens

4 cups fresh spinach
3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta (gluten-free if preferred)

Sauces and Dairy Alternatives

1/2 cup natural pesto (basil, nuts, garlic)
1 cup plant-based cream
1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Liquids and Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
1/2 to 3/4 cup vegetable broth

Seasoning

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for a deep umami flavor.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve some pasta water; it can help tune the consistency of your sauce later on.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same pan used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil and gently cook minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the fresh spinach and sauté just until wilted, keeping those vibrant greens tender and bright.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the natural pesto, plant-based cream, and shredded plant-based cheese. Slowly add vegetable broth as needed to thin the sauce, stirring gently until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, folding in the chicken pieces and spinach to combine everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and let it all simmer together for a minute or two so the flavors can mingle.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant bite and avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce.
Use fresh natural pesto to bring the brightest herbal flavor.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen thick sauce without watering down flavor.
Don’t overcook spinach; just wilt lightly to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste.
Serve immediately for the richest and creamiest sauce experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, spinach pasta recipe, gluten-free creamy pasta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce recipes